Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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I thank the witnesses for attending to discuss the issue of energy poverty. It is a really important discussion to have at this time. We tend to have the discussion in September, October and November when people are really in the throes of it but the preparatory work needs to be done now to address the issues people will face in the coming winter.

Following on from Deputy Bruton's point, I am concerned about the levels of moneys owed and that people will not have cleared the debt they incurred last winter. I assume energy prices will still be very high this coming winter. People will be going into it with a huge debt already. What levels of debt are the witnesses seeing and how many of those who come to them are carrying debt on energy bills? That question is primarily for Ms Petrie.